22-04-2014, 04:34 PM
Saving Energy and Minimizing Emissions: A Case Study on Tamilnadu Energy Crisis
Abstract
Tamil Nadu is now in the darkness of crisis. Almost all part of this state is affected with the power cut of more than 6
hours per day. Can we do anything to help the system a little, so that the energy can be saved? The solution is very easy. Change
all the light bulbs in your homes in to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL). Though this solution seems to be very normal and non-
attractive, the real impact of this change would be actually impressive. By replacing the incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
available in our households, we may save an average 1.34KWh (electric units) of current every day per house. This may be further
extended to a whooping 14.7GWh per day for the entire middle class and upper class households in the state. In terms of economy,
about 1076 Crore rupees can be saved each year. By considering the charges to be spent for replacing the available incandescent
and fluorescent lamps to CFL, the payback period for the replacement charges is approximately one year. At the same time, the
entire replacement process will take some 4 to 5 years to be carried out. The energy saved by the replacement of lamps can also be
expressed in terms of CO2 and Hg emissions. About 21520Tonnes of CO2 and 2.5kg of Hg can be avoided to be emitted in to the
atmosphere, every day. On the whole, this process is a highly effective, attractive and suitable solution for the present day Tamil
Nadu.